Liliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).
Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.
Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.
A preliminary note rather than a review: this is either extremely sloppy writing or editing when an author can't even get the name of one of her characters (Shane's wife) right in this book.
Terrible editing. Story didn't flow, I found myself lost during the conversations or confused. Also if she's gonna use Spanish words and Mexican cities make sure you spell them right and use it in the right context. She spelled Oaxaca (correct spelling easily found on a map) Guaxaca... No do a little research.
Liliana Hart's writing is completely addictive, once you enter the world of the MacKenzies you don't want to leave, anxiously awaiting details of all your favourite characters while keeping your fingers crossed they all get their individual Happily Ever Afters. I've only managed to read a few of the MacKenzie series and have to say while I become completely immersed in their world it is the stories with the romance as the focal point that are my favourite (I know I know that is totally obvious).
Spies and Stillettos is not for the faint-hearted dealing with brutal rape and torture, drug cartels and government black ops.
Elena had her innocence brutally torn away from her, rescued by the MacKenzies, she has devoted the past seven years to repaying the debt she feels she owes them by becoming a top operations coordinator. Struggling to overcome the damage, both physically and mentally, inflicted on her, Elena has a lot of (understandable) barriers in place effectively making her feel like an outsider even after all the time that has passed. Having the insight into her thoughts and actions proves Elena is a lot stronger than she gives herself credit for.
When the drug cartel responsible for the savagery inflicted on Elena make a re-appearance in her life and threaten her only living relative, Elena has to confront the demons from her past in the most challenging of ways.
I completely adored Brady, he is utterly adorable. Gentle and patient, he has been drawn to Elena from the beginning even after witnessing first hand the terror she had endured. His solid presence and unconditional love give Elena the confidence and foundation on which to truly heal.
The character development through Spies and Stilettos is astonishing especially in Elena's case. Liliana Hart balances the action and the romance within the plot brilliantly, although for me personally, I like the romance to be front and centre, lol.
There are lots of cameo appearances through the story including some nice recapping of their individual stories, die-hard MacKenzie fans will be delighted to see their favourites although for us newbies it doesn't detract from the connection to Spies and Stilettos. There is an absolutely stunning surprise conclusion to the series as a whole but you are going to have to read it to find out what it is :D
Spies and Stilettos is high octane all the way !!!!
Alrighty, then! Another story where a woman feels the need to leave to protect I don’t know how many men that are muscle bound and stand over six feet tall. And for all her thoughts of protecting the men Elena made one bad decision after another. She was supposed to be brave but all she was was cowardly and whiny and stupid. She was brave two times for about a minute. I had no idea what Brady saw in her. I really liked Brady but I didn’t like Elena at all.
I also Liked the others in the novella: Declan and Sophia, Shane and Lacey, Archer and Audrey, well, everyone.
It was exciting since it was about the drug cartel but Elena made it hard to like the story since she was in it most of the time.
One of the reasons I don’t read anything by Liliana Hart is because she write erotica and I just hate that. I like sex in my books but erotica is kind of dirty to me. Anyway, I was skeptical about this but I decided since I was really interested in the second book in this series I’d better read this first. Imagine my surprise when there wasn’t an ounce of sexual desire OR sex in this book. Totally surprising.
Another thing I found crazy about this book was the last part. It was 2037 and 20 years had passed and Declan was just going on and on about everyone in the book that was married and had their own kids and their kids that now worked at MacKenzie Security. I mean, I could see that written at the end of this series but at the end of the first book in the series a found really confusing.
As I said no sex in this book and the F-bomb was used 20 times
As to the narrator: Aiden Snow never seems to get any better. His female voices continue to be sucky and he reads without a bit of emotion. I know he reads the next one in this series and I’ve already bought it but if he reads the others I don’t know if I’ll bother to continue.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Imagine being on the sidelines surrounded by some of the worlds most lethal men, yet having more than your fair share of demons that only you can tackle. Welcome to Elena’s world!
The men of Mackenzie Security are legendary - They are know for their badassery and for getting things done, but also for their swoon worthy swagger and dreamy good looks. So Brady fits right in! Hello handsome!!
Brady is determined to be there for Elena, even if it means saving her from herself. He discovers that it's not always just as easy as solving every problem, because sometimes people need to find a way to help themselves.
Spies & Stilettos is about vengeance, but more over its about love and friendship with a lot of covert spy action.
Tons of excitement, some plot twists, violence and danger, strong characters, with the MacKenzie family backing them up. Strong finish to legacy with some follow up novellas coming this fall.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narration was decent, but the story left a lot to be desired. I did not, and could not bring myself to like Elena.
First, let's acknowledge that what happened to Elena was intense, painful, and unimaginable. It made her subsequent actions absurd. I was so frustrated with Elena that I almost stopped listening. She had been with MacKenzie Security for seven years and when an issue arose that DEMANDED a certain type of expertise, she decided to go rogue???! I have no problem with a storyline running somewhat off the reality highway, but this was flipping ridiculous.
A woman who had been running high stakes, high security logistics for as long as Elena had, started running around like a chicken with her head cutoff? Also, maybe I missed it, but where did she acquire her skill set?
Then we have Brady pining for this woman who could not (understandably so) stand to be touched, yet days later could strip in front of one of the men who had previously brutalized her?
And, what happened to her niece? Some details or closure in that area would have been nice.
There was no real evidence of romance between Brady and Elena, not any sexual tension, or chemistry. At least, nothing I could pick up on in this book.
Anyway, I'm glad I got to listen to this book through the Audible Romance subscription and I didn't pay full price for it.
Lots of familiar faces return to help Brady and Elena save her niece from the same cartel who hurt Elena years ago. Face to face with a possible chance of death, Elena opens up and finally learns what she's truly been missing from her life these last seven years.
Brady and Elena's story was one suspenseful ride and well worth waiting for! Elena took awhile to grow on me, but once she did, it was smooth sailing! The action and suspense was spot on, the villain was suitably creepy and oily, and Elena's big moment..I was shouting at my kindle with glee! I couldn't resist seeing what would happen next and read this in one sitting! And Declan's epilogue.. even though it made me feel bittersweet, it was simply beautiful!
I've been reading the Mackenzie series since Dane's book released in 2011 and I'm so sad to see this series end! Even if Elena and Brady's story wasn't originally in the works, I'm glad he bugged Liliana enough to tell their story! It let me catch up with a great cast of characters and add another romance to my collection! It also let Liliana Hart close out the series with a bang!
Declan and Cade are still my top favorites in the series, but I highly recommend reading the entire series to any romantic suspense/military readers! Definitely worth the time!
3.25 stars. This was an okay read. This is Brady and Elena's story. Elena was rescued by the Mackezie security team after being gang raped and tortured by a cartel, which ultimately led to her father's death. She has worked for the security team for the past 7 years since then, healing physically but not emotionally, and never really letting anyone in. Now, her niece is kidnapped by the cartel and her captors are holding her hostage in exchange for information that Elena has access to. She must decide if she can trust Brady, her friend and coworker, to help her or to go it along, saving her niece but sacrificing herself.
I liked the story, but there isn't enough pay off in the end. Elena and Brady build up to a relationship together, but the book just ends before they ever really get there. I know this a novella but there was definitely more suspense/action/adventure than romance. It seemed to be slowly building and then fizzled out. There is an epilogue, which is more of a series epilogue and quickly mentions that they are married, but I was disappointed that we didn't get to know how that happened. The action in the story, though, is interesting. Elena's willingness to sacrifice herself, self-esteem, and difficulty trusting her team mates was annoying at times. I liked her and Brady together, but I felt like the story was very fast paced and they never slowed down long enough for me to feel their connection and chemistry. I guess I just prefer more romance in my romantic suspense. But overall, this is still a good suspenseful novella. I definitely recommend this series if you like suspense and military/FBI themed books.
I've heard a lot of good things about this series but haven't actually had a chance to read it yet so I wasn't too familiar with all of the supporting characters. However, it was pretty easy to submerge myself in the Mackenzie world. Brady's a Navy SEAL so of course he's a hot bad ass! Elena's horrible past ruled her present so I'm super glad she got her dream man. I loved the added bonus of Declan's point of view and I realize this is the last book in the lengthy Mackenzie series. I'm sure Ms. Hart wanted to give the readers glimpses into all the lovely characters from past stories but I felt like Brady's and Elena's story was overshadowed by the other characters. I REALLY wanted to read more about Elena and Brady figuring out their relationship and overcoming Elena's huge obstacle with intamacy and affection. I felt like their relationship was glossed over and rushed. Overall, I'd rate this one 3.5 stars! Told from mostly dual POVs with a sweet end. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
There are going to be two parts Part 1: Elena, oh Elena. This girl must be the strongest woman on the planet. The things she has been thru are so earth shattering it is hard to think anyone could be completely sane afterwards. She shines bright with her courage and I will always remember crying for her when she was first introduced into the storylines. It will break your heart if you haven’t read it, you really should read this entire series. Brady has been a staple with in the MacKenzie Organization and it is nice to see he gets his happily ever after and that it’s Elena. The plot was classic Liliana Hart with zing, the story line eased its way in and made you feel like you were home after a long time away. The cast of characters was the cherry on the cake. I have always loved the series format with an HEA for each individual book. Liliana Hart does this with ease. My first Liliana Hart book was Dane. I have never regretted that first jump into the MacKenzie’s and I have never looked back. Part 2: My love for the MacKenzie’s is known to anyone who will listen, I was there with the first book and here I am now with the last. The Journal page is priceless to me and I thank you for it. The slight, tiny ray of hope that was glimpsed, I will wish upon a star to just have one more MacKenzie Book. I know you have grown as an author through the years that I have read you because I read it in your words. Just know I will always be Team MacKenzie.
Oh my it's just as great as ALL of the Mackenzie series. It was great seeing how Elena had grown & become stronger over the years that the Mackenzie Team came & save her from the devastation of what the cartel had done to her & god how she proved to them in the end. AND yes the first part of this story of Where she decides to go & save HER niece from the same fate she had to endure with or without the team as she wasn't going to tell them. But she didn't think that Brady Scott who can tell likes her that's REALLY likes her, finds out & ambushes her. So this part tells us the story of the strength Elena has now & the depths Brady will go for her.
BUT then we have a 2nd part to the book, where we've jumped 20 yrs & Dec is giving us the epilogue of the lives of the MACKENZIE'S before they're getting to that she of retirement or where their children will be placing their passion 😘😘😘
Oh my it's just as great as ALL of the Mackenzie series. It was great seeing how Elena had grown & become stronger over the years that the Mackenzie Team came & save her from the devastation of what the cartel had done to her & god how she proved to them in the end. AND yes the first part of this story of Where she decides to go & save HER niece from the same fate she had to endure with or without the team as she wasn't going to tell them. But she didn't think that Brady Scott who can tell likes her that's REALLY likes her, finds out & ambushes her. So this part tells us the story of the strength Elena has now & the depths Brady will go for her.
BUT then we have a 2nd part to the book, where we've jumped 20 yrs & Dec is giving us the epilogue of the lives of the MACKENZIE'S before they're getting to that she of retirement or where their children will be placing their passion 😘😘😘
Oh my it's just as great as ALL of the Mackenzie series. It was great seeing how Elena had grown & become stronger over the years that the Mackenzie Team came & save her from the devastation of what the cartel had done to her & god how she proved to them in the end. AND yes the first part of this story of Where she decides to go & save HER niece from the same fate she had to endure with or without the team as she wasn't going to tell them. But she didn't think that Brady Scott who can tell likes her that's REALLY likes her, finds out & ambushes her. So this part tells us the story of the strength Elena has now & the depths Brady will go for her.
BUT then we have a 2nd part to the book, where we've jumped 20 yrs & Dec is giving us the epilogue of the lives of the MACKENZIE'S before they're getting to that she of retirement or where their children will be placing their passion 😘😘😘
If I was to base this rating on solely the portion of the story with just Brady and Elena's relationship I would have given this a higher rating...but since my rating involves the whole book it got a much lower rating. Why you might ask? Well there was a major name change in this book...Lacey was for some reason changed to Tess. Which was confusing but I overlooked since it had been awhile since I read Scorch.
The story was pretty complex writing wise, to the point where it was almost hard to follow which isn't like Liliana's other books. I still enjoyed reading this book very much so, I just wished the mistakes had been caught before publication.
This book is well written and a great addition to the MacKenzie Family saga. This book includes every bit of what I have come to expect from this author. A great love, lots of emotional moments, and the epic HEA. This storyline was fast paced, very emotional, page turning engagement. The characters are well developed and by the end you are fully invested in them getting their HEA. I loved the audio option!
I am sad that this is the last of the Mackenzie's stories. Somehow having Elena and Brady's story be the last was fitting. I loved their story but would have loved more interactions with all of the family. I wish this last story was longer.
I love Brady's undying love for Elena and his dedication to her. Their bond is so strong and her trust in him first and foremost was so deep and soulful. He was truly her healing and the love of her life. Maybe at some point there will be a MacKenzie reunion with everyone and their expanding families? I can only hope! ❤❤
Another winner for Mackenzie Security. I had hoped we would get a story for Elena. I'm glad she recovered enough to live again. It was excellent to see everyone working together, although protocol was lax. In some ways this was a brilliant story but there were some in consistencies in personalities that didn't always jive for me.
This was probably the most disappointing of the series which is terrible since it’s the finale. I found myself bored which is awful considering the storyline is meant to be suspenseful. I also didn’t understand the initial point of contact for the cartel and Elena, it made no sense. It made me sad especially since I enjoyed some of the earlier novels of the series much more.
A MacKenzie novel. Hella dramatic and angst filled twists. This was Brady Scott and Elena story. This book was simply fabulous. Elena got massive issues cause of past trauma. Brady is a navy SEAL who rescues her from this trauma. The journey to their love is riddled with WTF moments. Now add in the MacKenzie family and let the adventure begin.
‘Spies & Stilettos,’ is the 18 novel in The MacKenzieFamily series, and it has been an incredible ride. The ups and lows, the challenges and triumphs, the tragedies and losses, have endeared these characters to me. And this novel captures it all beautifully. I absolutely love this series!
Brady has been in love with Elena ever since their team rescued her from the cartel several years ago. She has the same feelings for Brady but is afraid to act on those feelings. When the cartel starts to contact Elena again, Mackenzie security jumps into action. Will Brady and Elena find their happily ever after before the cartel finds Elena?
I have loved all the MacKenzie family books and am sad to see the series ending. Who doesn't love men who are honorable and love fiercely. Brady caring and being there as a friend for so many years never knowing if Elena could ever be able to over her past...who doesn't of that kind of guy. Seeing their relationship grow and overcome the odds is heart warming. As usual Liliana incorporates suspense to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I enjoyed how she incorporated updates on all the characters. I will miss these characters.
Elena went through hell and came out on top. Brady was able to help her trust again. Sorry to see this be the last book. I liked the summary from Dec at the end. I wish he would have updated his cousins.
It's hard to believe there have been 18 books in this series and that it is coming to a close with Spies and Stilettos!
In this story, Brady and Elena take center stage. The MacKenzie team including Brady saved Elena after a horrible and traumatic experience 7 years ago, but she has never fully healed from it. Brady has worked on earning her trust over the years and she does trust him in as much as she can trust any man, but she is not willing to truly let him in. Brady's friends and family see heartbreak in his future if he continues to hold out hope that she will ever let him move out of the friend zone.
The horrors Elena experienced at a young age left her emotionally stunted and she doesn't truly grasp that the MacKenzies see her as one of their own, not some sort of charity case or obligation- and neither does Brady. Her default is to stonewall anyone who tries to get too close, so when the past she thought was long dead buries suddenly becomes problematic again, she does what comes naturally: she tries to deal with it on her own, especially after Declan reacts poorly when a mission she was watching over ends badly. She makes stupid choices out of fear, stubbornness and an inability to trust, and when Brady realizes what she is doing, she will put the lives of him and other team members in danger when she decides to embark on a suicide mission instead. As much as she wishes she could be the woman Brady wants her to be, she doesn't understand what a man like him would see in her.
Of course he finally wears her down and she finds a way to tap into that inner strength that has allowed her to survive for so long, but it is not an easy path and it is filled with detours for danger along the way. I loved the epilogue Ms. Hart included to wrap everything up and give us updates on the family 10 years down the road! It's hard to say goodbye to a great series but I think that epilogue will make fans of the series happy.
4☆ I am new to the MacKenzie Family series, but Spies and Stilettos reads as a standalone. I have read the novellas leading up to this and I am enjoying the security business and the suspense to go along. I think there was good depth to Elena's character. I really liked reading her journey and dealing with all that was thrown at her. I liked the storyline and liked reading about the planning and strategies. I think it captures that kind of world well. I liked Brady and thought he was a strong hero and loved his loyalty to Elena and being her person to lean on. I enjoyed my first Liliana Hart book a lot! *arc received in exchange for an honest review*
And so it ends. This family has become like my own. I have laughed and cried and celebrated with them and the end of this one, will definitely make you smile whilst tears run down your cheeks.